HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR HERNIA

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example , the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.

Hernias are most common in the abdomen, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernias are not immediately life –threatening, but they don’t go away on their own.

A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity , peritoneum. The sac comes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the belly wall that surrounds the muscle. Depending upon the site hernia may inguinal, umbilical, hiatal and incisional.

Inguinal hernia--Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They make up about 70 percent of all hernias. These hernias occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal.

The inguinal canal is found in the groin. In men it is the area where the spermatic cord passes from the abdomen to the scrotum. This cord holds up the testicles. In women the inguinal canal contains a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place.

This type of hernia is more common in men than women.  This is because a man’s testicles descend the inguinal canal shortly after breath, and the canal is supposed to close almost completely behind them. Sometimes the canal dose not close properly and leaves a weakened area prone to hernias.

Umbilical hernia--Umbilical hernias can occur in children and babies under 6 months old. This happens when their intestines bulge through their abdominal wall near their belly button. Also notice a bulge in or near the child’s bellybutton , especially when they are crying.

An umbilical hernia is the only kind that often goes away on its own as the abdominal wall muscles get stronger, typically by the time the child is 1 years old.

Incisional hernia—Incisional hernias can occur after an abdominal surgery. The intestine may push through the incision scar or through the surrounding weakened tissue.

Hiatal hernia --A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes up through the diaphragm into your chest cavity. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle that helps you breathe by contracting and drawing air into the lungs. It separates the organs in your abdomen from those in your chest.

Causes

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause , a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Common causes of muscle weakness include:

·         Failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb, which is a congenital defect

·         Age

·         Chronic coughing

·         Damage from injury or surgery

·          

Factors that strain the body and may cause a hernia, especially if the muscles are weak, include:

·         Being pregnant, which puts pressure on abdomen

·         Being constipated, which causes strain when having a bowel movement

·         Lifting heavy weight

·         Fluid in the abdomen or ascites

·         Suddenly gaining weight

·         Surgery in the area

·         Persistent coughing or sneezing

Symptoms

Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:

·         A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain

·         A burning or aching sensation at the bulge

·         Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting

·         A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin

·         Weakness or pressure in your groin

·         Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

If your baby has a hernia, you may only be able to feel the bulge when they're crying. A bulge is typically the only symptom of an umbilical hernia.

Other symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

·         Acid reflux, which is when stomach acid moves backward into the esophagus causing a burning sensation

·         Chest pain

·         Difficulty swallowing

In some cases, hernias have no symptoms. You may not know you have a hernia unless it shows up during a routine physical  or a medical exam for an unrelated problem.

Diagnosis

Inguinal or incisional hernias are usually diagnosed through a physical examination. There is  a bulge in your abdomen or groin that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain.

If you have a hiatal hernia,  may diagnose it with a barium X-ray or endoscopy

I umbilical hernia, through  an ultrasound . An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the structures inside the body.

Risk factors

Factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:

·         Being male. Men are eight times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than are women.

·         Being older. Muscles weaken as you age.

·         Being white.

·         Family history. You have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has the condition.

·         Chronic cough, such as from smoking.

·         Chronic constipation. Constipation causes straining during bowel movements.

·         Pregnancy. Being pregnant can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause increased pressure inside your abdomen.

·         Premature birth and low birth weight.

·         Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair. Even if your previous hernia occurred in childhood, you're at higher risk of developing another inguinal hernia.

Complications

Complications of an inguinal hernia include:

·         Pressure on surrounding tissues. Most inguinal hernias enlarge over time if not repaired surgically. In men, large hernias can extend into the scrotum, causing pain and swelling.

·         Incarcerated hernia. If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, it can obstruct the bowel, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.

·         Strangulation. An incarcerated hernia can cut off blood flow to part of your intestine. Strangulation can lead to the death of the affected bowel tissue. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.

Prevention

You can't prevent the congenital defect that makes you susceptible to an inguinal hernia. You can, however, reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues. For example:

·         Maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about the best exercise and diet plan for you.

·         Emphasize high-fiber foods. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain fiber that can help prevent constipation and straining.

·         Lift heavy objects carefully or avoid heavy lifting. If you must lift something heavy, always bend from your knees — not your waist.

·         Stop smoking. Besides its role in many serious diseases, smoking often causes a chronic cough that can lead to or aggravate an inguinal hernia.

·         Don't rely on a truss. Wearing a supportive garment designed to keep hernias in place (hernia truss) doesn't correct the problem or help prevent complications. Your doctor might recommend a hernia truss for a short time before surgery to help you feel more comfortable, but the truss isn't a replacement for surgery.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Hernia is a surgical condition even though it can be corrected by well selected Homoeopathic medicines.

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional , spiritual and physical levels. When hernia  is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering the mental and physical symptoms.

NUX VOMICA 200 –--Nux Vomica is a  Homeopathic medicine which is of great help in treating all types of Hernias — be it femoral, inguinal or umbilical. It can be given to patients of Hernia in whom the abdominal muscles have been weakened due to long-standing constipation. The patient complains of a constant urge to pass stool or poop but scanty unsatisfactory stool is passed. Such a patient also usually feels very cold. There’s also an excessive craving for stimulants like alcohol or coffee.  Weakness and soreness in the abdominal muscles are always experienced. For treatment of Umbilical Hernia in infants,Homeopathic remedy Nux Vomica is very beneficial.

 CALCAREA CARB. 200---Calcarea Carbonica is a top Homeopathic medicine for treating Hernia, especially umbilical hernia. It is mainly prescribed for obese people with weak abdominal muscles due to excessive fat in the abdomen. Such patients cannot bear tight clothes around the waist. Homeopathic medicine Calcarea Carbonicaalso gives excellent results in treatment of Hernia in children who sweat excessively on the head. The patients requiring this medicine are sensitive to cold air. There is also an unusual craving for boiled eggs or chalk or lime.

 LYCOPODIUM 200—--Homeopathic medicine Lycopodium Clavatum is of great help to patients of Hernia who suffer from weak digestion and excessive flatulence in the abdomen. The patients requiring this medicine love to eat sweets and have a craving for hot food and drinks.

COCCULUS INDICUS 200——Abdominal muscles weak, it seems as if hernia would take place

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 200  -This Homeopathic medicine is very beneficial for treatment of all such cases of Hernia where the abdominal muscles become weak due to excessive strain by lifting heavy weights. Homeopathic remedy Rhus Toxicodendron helps the patients by strengthening the abdominal muscles.

SILICEA 200---Silicea is aHomeopathic medicine of great help for patients of Hernia who experience excessive and offensive perspiration on the feet. The patient always feels very chilly and desires warm clothing. Silicea is also a very helpful Homeopathic remedy for treatment ofHerniain children who are weak, very obstinate and headstrong.

THUJA OCC. 200- Thuja is prescribed  for inguinal hernia  of infants, especially left .